Level Of Interconnection Research Articles

SIR epidemics in interconnected networks: threshold curve and phase transition

For simplicity of mathematical modeling of epidemic spreading, the assumption is that hosts have identical rates of disease-causing contacts. However, in the real world, the scenario is different. The network-based framework allows us to capture the complex interdependencies and structural heterogeneity present in real-world systems. We examine two distinct scenarios involving the dynamics of susceptible-infected-recovered (SIR) in interconnected networks. In the first part, we show how the epidemic threshold of a contact network changes as a result of being coupled with another network for a fixed infection strength. The model employed in this work considers both the contact networks and interconnections as generic. We have depicted the epidemic threshold curve for interconnected networks, considering the assumption that the infection could be initially present in either one or both of the networks. If the normalized infection strengths are above the threshold curve, the infection spreads, whereas if the normalized infection strengths are below the threshold curve, the disease does not spread. This is true for any level of interconnection. In the second part, we investigate the spillover phenomenon, where the disease in a novel host population network comes from a reservoir network. We have observed a clear phase transition when the number of links or the inter-network infection rate exceeds a certain threshold, keeping all other parameters constant. We observe two regimes for spillover: a major spillover region and a minor spillover region based on interpopulation links (fraction of links between two networks) and inter-network infection strength (infection rate between reservoir and host network). If the interpopulation links and inter-network infection strength are in the major spillover region, the spillover probability is high, while if the former parameters are in the minor spillover region, the spillover probability is low. When the number of infected individuals within a reservoir network is nearly equal, and the inter-network infection strength remains constant, the threshold number of links required to achieve the spillover threshold condition varies based on the network topology. Overall, this work contributes to the understanding of SIR dynamics in interconnected networks and sheds light on the behavior of epidemics in complex systems.

Cost-Effective Target Capacity Assessment in the Energy Transition: The Italian Methodology

Long-term transmission expansion planning has to face the energy transition in a restructured electricity market environment. Increased transmission capacity within and between Member States is likely to play an essential role in maintaining the secure and economic operation of the whole European power system and ensuring the integration of growing renewable generation. This paper proposes a novel iterative methodology aimed at assessing an optimal level of interconnection between relevant bidding zones, simultaneously investigating different potential alternatives. Starting from a reference grid, a multi-criteria analysis is adopted to select the additional transmission capacities to be tested in each iteration via network and market simulations in order to confirm that transmission expansion benefits outweigh the estimated realization costs. The proposed approach is applied to the Italian case in two contrasting energy scenarios for the mid-term 2030 and very-long-term 2040 horizons: different development strategies are derived, and the least regret criterion is applied to define the most cost-effective as the target development strategy for the Transmission System Operator (TSO). Furthermore, sensitivity analyses on relevant input data variation are performed to test the robustness of the results obtained.

Energy Integration and Regional Development: A Comparative Analysis

This study presents a cross-regional analysis with the aim of understanding the dynamics between energy-integration and regional development. It draws on the premise that cooperative relationship in energy has a positive impact on the regionalization process. For this end, the paper examines renewable energy-based electricity grid interconnectivity in Europe, Southeast Asia and Northeast Asia through a study on their level of energy interconnection, platform sharing, market and policy integration, and institutionalization and formalization. The aim of this study is to illuminate the nexus between energy integration and regional development.
 Keywords: Energy Interconnectivity; Electricity Grid; Regional Development; Europe; Southeast Asia: Northeast Asia

Spatial/Temporal Locality-based Load-sharing in Speculative Discrete Event Simulation on Multi-core Machines

Shared-memory multi-processor/multi-core machines have become a reference for many application contexts. In particular, the recent literature on speculative parallel discrete event simulation has reshuffled the architectural organization of simulation systems in order to deeply exploit the main features of this type of machines. A core aspect dealt with has been the full sharing of the workload at the level of individual simulation events, which enables keeping the rollback incidence minimal. However, making each worker thread continuously switch its execution between events destined to different simulation objects does not favor locality. This problem appears even more evident in the case of Non-Uniform-Memory-Access (NUMA) machines, where memory accesses generating a cache miss to be served by a far NUMA node give rise to both higher latency and higher traffic at the level of the NUMA interconnection. In this article, we propose a workload-sharing algorithm where the worker threads can have short-term binding with specific simulation objects to favor spatial locality. The new bindings—carried out when a thread decides to switch its execution to other simulation objects—are based on both (a) the timeline according to which the object states have passed through the caching hierarchy and (b) the (dynamic) placement of objects within the NUMA architecture. At the same time, our solution still enables the worker threads to focus their activities on the events to be processed whose timestamps are closer to the simulation commit horizon—hence we exploit temporal locality along virtual time and keep the rollback incidence minimal. In our design we exploit lock-free constructs to support scalable thread synchronization while accessing the shared event pool. Furthermore, we exploit a multi-view approach of the event pool content, which additionally favors local accesses to the parts of the event pool that are currently relevant for the thread activity. Our solution has been released as an integration within the USE (Ultimate-Share-Everything) open source speculative simulation platform available to the community. Furthermore, in this article we report the results of an experimental study that shows the effectiveness of our proposal.

Development of Science in Conjunction with Economic Growth: Global Trends and Patterns

The formation of artificial communities within the framework of various types of mathematical and computer modeling, primarily agent-based, requires confident knowledge about the degree and nature of the interaction of the simulated agents, components and elements of the system being studied. The work reveals patterns of influence of scientific and innovation indicators on the level of the economy in countries around the world. Based on measuring the level of correlations between the publication activity of the countries of the world, the per capita level of R&D expenditures, patent activity and the number of researchers with the level of their economy relative to the population, it is shown that the indicators of the conjugation of the scientific and innovation sphere of countries and their level are quite high, in general intensified from 2010 to 2022. Since 2010, the ratio of the levels of mutual dependence of indicators of scientific and inventive activity and the relative values of national economies has changed; among other indicators, the highest level of correlation in 2022 is characterized by publication activity. The level of interconnection has largely increased due to the sharp intensification of the level of scientific development of rich oil and gas producing countries. Considering Russia’s place in global trends in scientific development, the author concludes that it is advisable to increase funding for scientific research in Russia while maintaining the course of supporting the productivity of fundamental science.

Population mobility, well-mixed clustering and disease spread: a look at COVID-19 Spread in the United States and preventive policy insights.

The epidemiology of pandemics is classically viewed using geographical and political borders; however, these artificial divisions can result in a misunderstanding of the current epidemiological state within a given region. To improve upon current methods, we propose a clustering algorithm which is capable of recasting regions into well-mixed clusters such that they have a high level of interconnection while minimizing the external flow of the population towards other clusters. Moreover, we analyze and identify so-called core clusters, clusters that retain their features over time (temporally stable) and independent of the presence or absence of policy measures. In order to demonstrate the capabilities of this algorithm, we use USA county-level cellular mobility data to divide the country into such clusters. Herein, we show a more granular spread of SARS-CoV-2 throughout the first weeks of the pandemic. Moreover, we are able to identify areas (groups of counties) that were experiencing above average levels of transmission within a state, as well as pan-state areas (clusters overlapping more than one state) with very similar disease spread. Therefore, our method enables policymakers to make more informed decisions on the use of public health interventions within their jurisdiction, as well as guide collaboration with surrounding regions to benefit the general population in controlling the spread of communicable diseases.

Pokémon TCG Live: A Game without Monetization and Its Place in the Gaming Industry

Over recent decades, digital games have been trying to find new ways to monetize their player base. The games have evolved from purely premium titles sold as a product, to repeatedly monetized free-to-play games as a service that allow players to spend limitless amount on various microtransactions. However, there are still some oddities present on the gaming market. The case study analyses the digital game Pokémon TCG Live, which does not have any form of direct monetization. The study points out how it corresponds to both the overarching Pokémon franchise, as well as the digital games industry. Its main goal is to identify its core mechanics that are traditionally connected with monetization practices, and find its position on the market in relation to other digital trading card games. Another point of interest for our study is the high level of interconnection between the printed and digital versions of the Pokémon Trading Card Game and how it impacts the online client.

A Comprehensive Literature Review of Borderline Personality Disorder: Unraveling Complexity From Diagnosis to Treatment.

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a severe mental illness marked by unpredictable feelings, behaviors, and relationships. Symptoms like emotional instability, impulsivity, and poor social connections are the basis for diagnostic criteria. A noteworthy discovery highlights the clinical overlap between BPD and several psychotic disorders by arguing that BPD and psychotic symptoms raise the risk of psychopathology. According to neuroimaging evidence, structural and functional brain changes, notably in regions controlling affective regulation and impulse control, are seen in BPD patients. Adolf Stern, a psychoanalyst, used the word "borderline" in 1938 to describe patients who exhibited increased symptoms during therapy and displayed masochistic tendencies. Modern BPD research has highlighted the complexity of symptoms like boredom, a former diagnostic criterion associated with feelings of emptiness. Though there are still unanswered problems regarding its precise, practical components, the treatment technique known as Schema therapy (ST) has shown promise in treating BPD. It's interesting to note that BPD displays complex relationships with other illnesses; for instance, some neurochemical pathways coincide with those in bulimia nervosa, pointing to a deeper level of interconnection. Concerning diagnosis, BPD's defining symptoms include, among others, the fear of abandonment, identity disruption, and recurrent suicidal conduct. The range of treatment options includes pharmacological interventions and psychotherapies like dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). Even though antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are routinely prescribed, research on their efficacy is ongoing, underlining the significance of thorough treatment planning. In conclusion, BPD continues to be a complex condition that calls for early detection, especially considering that it usually manifests in adolescence. While many patients report symptom relief, lingering problems still exist, emphasizing the value of comprehensive and personalized treatment strategies.

Security Model for a Central Bank in Latin America using Blockchain

Banking institutions in Latin America are the target of increasingly sophisticated and advanced cyber-attacks and threats, which increase every year and leave substantial economic losses, due to the high level of global interconnection and digitization of their operations. The objective of this work is to design a model to guarantee information security in a Central Bank in Latin America using Blockchain technology. Exploratory research, observation and inductive and deductive methods are used to propose Blockchain solutions in a Central Bank. The results are a model for secure transactions in Blockchain, Smart Contract functions and a data management process. It was concluded that the security model for a central bank provides high level of information management and storage of transactions in a secure and immutable way.

How Russia’s trade with China influences carbon dioxide emissions in Russian regions

The Sino-Russian partnership has become one of the hottest issues in contemporary international politics. Significantly, the highest potential is in the movement of both countries to Carbon Neutrality. China pursues the goal to reach its carbon peak by 2030, aiming to achieve net-zero carbon dioxide emissions. The Russian government is also involved in new programs concerning emissions reduction. The two countries plan to collaborate on a new level of responsibility and transregional interconnection. The paper aims to analyze the influence of Russia’s trade with China on carbon dioxide emissions in Russian regions. The authors present a review of carbon dioxide emissions between the two countries, explore the processes of trade in several categories of products and outline forward forecast tendencies. The paper uses complicated forecasting modeling in Python to assess the prospects of trade collaboration between Russia and China untill 2030. It makes forecasts of the volumes of carbon dioxide emissions and environmental trends till 2030. The research results show that the highest levels of emissions are observed in the industries “Mineral products”, “Chemical products” and “Animal husbandry and fishing products and services”, while “Wood works and furniture”, and “Agriculture products and services” produce considerably fewer emissions.

Theoretical and Applied Principles of Supply Chain Management under Crisis Economic Conditions: Strategic Aspect

The article highlights the main methodological and strategic aspects of supply chain management under crisis economic conditions. The authors defined the essence of the concept of «supply chain». In the supply chain structure, it is possible to distinguish complete logistics chains, which, in turn, contain all key links and stages of the reproduction process, starting from raw material sources and ending with final consumers. New tasks related to the formation of rational logistics chains, supply chains and the construction of effective systems of their management have been analyzed. Comparative characteristic of supply chain management models is given. The key characteristic features include structural and conceptual, the level of interconnection with the enterprise strategy, the breadth of the set of activities, intra-organizational connections, inter-organizational connections, value forming factors, information support, etc. A new vision of economic transformation is established in logistics practice. Integration into global production networks will allow countries (especially Ukraine) to reveal their comparative advantages by focusing on specific tasks and industries. Modern production systems, which have become the end result of the dynamism of production factors, distribution and production networks, have been studied. The critical problems regarding the choice of existing corporate strategies by enterprises for their further effective expansion have been highlighted. The strategies available in the global economy have been analyzed, their advantages and disadvantages have been highlighted. In general, to establish the cumulative impact of all business processes on the level of performance of the supply chain, which will allow us to approach the measurement of the level of their synergistic effect, it is necessary to ensure constant monitoring of indicators in two areas: process and system. Under crisis economic conditions (in particular, instability of markets, destruction of well-established supply chains, in particular, due to military actions), there is a need for a quick response, complete modernization, and adaptation of the proposed logistics services throughout the supply chain. It has been proposed to form and offer a market of the latest, perfect, adaptive services to clients, which will allow balancing the unpredictability of the market with the need to obtain a stable, growing level of profitability.

Rewiring cyanobacterial photosynthesis by the implementation of an oxygen-tolerant hydrogenase

Molecular hydrogen (H2) is considered as an ideal energy carrier to replace fossil fuels in future. Biotechnological H2 production driven by oxygenic photosynthesis appears highly promising, as biocatalyst and H2 syntheses rely mainly on light, water, and CO2 and not on rare metals. This biological process requires coupling of the photosynthetic water oxidizing apparatus to a H2-producing hydrogenase. However, this strategy is impeded by the simultaneous release of oxygen (O2) which is a strong inhibitor of most hydrogenases. Here, we addressed this challenge, by the introduction of an O2-tolerant hydrogenase into phototrophic bacteria, namely the cyanobacterial model strain Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. To this end, the gene cluster encoding the soluble, O2-tolerant, and NAD(H)-dependent hydrogenase from Ralstonia eutropha (ReSH) was functionally transferred to a Synechocystis strain featuring a knockout of the native O2 sensitive hydrogenase. Intriguingly, photosynthetically active cells produced the O2 tolerant ReSH, and activity was confirmed in vitro and in vivo. Further, ReSH enabled the constructed strain Syn_ReSH+ to utilize H2 as sole electron source to fix CO2. Syn_ReSH+ also was able to produce H2 under dark fermentative conditions as well as in presence of light, under conditions fostering intracellular NADH excess. These findings highlight a high level of interconnection between ReSH and cyanobacterial redox metabolism. This study lays a foundation for further engineering, e.g., of electron transfer to ReSH via NADPH or ferredoxin, to finally enable photosynthesis-driven H2 production.

SHARED NETWORKS: THE PATHS OF LATIN-CENTRIC INDIGENOUS NETWORKS TO A PLURIVERSAL INTERNET

This research paper examines the emergence of shared networks in Tseltal and Zapoteco communities in Chiapas and Oaxaca (Mexico): internet first mile signal-sharing practices that articulate interconnection infrastructure and coexistence values to extend the internet to areas where the services of existing larger internet service providers are unsatisfactory or unavailable. In the case studies analyzed, indigenous people become internet codesigners by infrastructuring for their own local networks and interconnecting to the global internet. The paper argues that a hybrid materializes at the level of network interconnection when comunalidad, or the way of these communities, supported by unlicensed frequencies of the electromagnetic spectrum, towers, radio antennas, houses rooftops, routers, and cables meet the values of the internet service providers and their policies. Shared networks are a result of what these arrangements both enact and constrain, and the evidence of vivid struggles of Latin-centric indigenous networks towards a pluriversal internet.

Legal issues regarding energy market integration in Northeast Asia

Economic development brings along strong energy demand. Northeast Asia is one of the regions with the most potential for further energy development in the world. Due to the complex geopolitical dilemma, barriers haven't been eliminated in energy trade and investment; therefore, there is more competition than cooperation among the States in this region. The energy market of each State has not been interconnected, and the energy market integration progress is slow. This paper investigates the current situation of energy cooperation in Northeast Asia and the necessity of energy market integration. It analyzes the legal challenges faced by the integration of the energy market in Northeast Asia and examines instruments available to the integration. This paper proposes that Northeast Asian States should work together to eliminate energy trade and investment barriers, improve the level of interconnection in their energy markets, promote the efficiency of resource allocation, and deepen the regional market integration.

The Complementarity between Dhow Shipping Networks and Standard Shipping Lines in the Gulfs of Persia, Oman and Aden

This article provides the very first appraisal of the extent of dhow shipping networks and their transport capacity around the Arabian Peninsula (in the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea) and the level of interconnection between dhow and containerized shipping. Dhows have a characteristic ogival-shaped wooden hull and a decorated superstructure at the stern. With a modest transport capacity ranging from 200 tons to more than 2,000 tons for the largest, dhows stay below the radars of academic research. Yet, compiled satellite pictures using Google-Earth allow a census to be conducted of dhows along coastlines and to measure their transport capacity and the extent of their network. The article starts with a short survey of the existing literature, and then presents the methodological framework of the study. It tests the spatial complementarity/duality of dhow networks with normal maritime networks (i.e. mainly containerized shipping lines), so as to understand the economic conditions of dhows’ survival. Next, it shows that the embeddedness of dhow ports in cities is also part of the explanation of surviving dhow trade. A concluding discussion tackles the necessity of normalization interfaces when a standardized transport network is interconnected with a local traditional transport network in a port.

Exploring relationships between design features and system usability of intelligent car human–machine interface

In-vehicle human–machine interface (HMI) mainly refers to the T-shaped panel system with instruments, centre console, gear lever and other components installed. For intelligent vehicles, the high level of intelligent interconnection may to some extent make drivers lack situational safety awareness and reduce the usability of the system. Thus, this study attempted to establish a relationship between design features and system usability of the in-vehicle panels. From the perspective of visual ergonomics, the panels were deconstructed into design features to determine 36 samples to be studied. After dividing each sample into four areas of interest (AOI), eye movement and subjective preference data were collected to quantify the user experience. Artificial neural network (ANN) and support vector machine (SVM) were used in the study. Nevertheless, conventional learning algorithms often underwent deficiencies in accuracy and robustness in the detection of multifarious kinds of panels. Therefore, the parameters of the two models were tuned to deal with the noise common in user experience data. The determinant coefficients, mean-square errors and mean relative errors of the two models showed that the SVM model had a higher accuracy, smaller error and was more stable in the learning of user experience of HMI design features, which could provide a method for the layout design and evaluation of T-shaped instrument panel.

Structure Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Cross-Border Electricity Trade: A Complex Network Perspective

Electricity is one of the most widely used forms of energy. However, environmental pollution from electricity generation and the mismatch between electricity supply and demand have long been bothering economies across the world. Under this background, cross-border electricity trade provides a new direction for sustainable development. Based on the complex network approach, this paper aims to explore the structural characteristics and evolution of cross-border electricity trade networks and to figure out the factors influencing the formation of the network by using the more advanced network analysis method—ERGM. The results show that: (1) The scale of the electricity trade network is expanding, but there are still many economies not involved. (2) The centrality of the network shifts from west to east. The level of internal electricity interconnection is high in Europe, and Asian countries’ coordination role in cross-border electricity trade networks is enhanced. (3) Cross-border electricity trade helps to reduce CO2 emissions, achieve renewable energy transformation, and reduce power supply and demand mismatch. Large gaps in GDP, electricity prices, industrial structure, geographical distance and institutional distance between economies are not conducive to form the cross-border trade network, while the common language is on the contrary.

Развитие сферы культуры в документах стратегического планирования регионов Дальневосточного федерального округа

At the legislative level, it is established that the culture of Russia, as well as natural resources, is the property of the country and an important resource for the socio-economic development of all its territories and improving the quality of life of the population. Improving the management process and strategic planning of development of the sphere of culture is due to the need for more efficient use of public finances and the level of investment attractiveness of the industry. Strategic planning tools play an important role in optimizing the process of managing of the sphere of culture. The analysis of state programs and strategies sections of the socio-economic development of the eleven regions of FEFD on the development of the sphere of culture, revealed the structural and methodological problems of the development of regional strategic planning documents in the sphere of culture. The main problems include: inconsistency of the structure and content of strategies and programs with methodical instructions (recommendations) and the procedure for their development; lack of a unified methodological approach to understanding the essence and basic components of strategies and programs; lack of a unified approach to the number, composition and presentation of target indicators; insufficient level of interconnection of regional strategic planning documents. A serious problem in the development of strategies and programs is the lack of uniform requirements for indicators for assessing the implementation of strategic goals and objectives, measures of government programs, as well as an interconnected system for assessing strategic planning documents developed at different levels of management. Differences in the structural elements and inconsistencies with the stated criteria are noted in the reviewed documents of all FEFD regions. The main reason for the discrepancy – is the lack of a unified methodology for the development of both regional strategies and government programs.

Policy of Sustainable Development State Regulation of Mongolian Industry

The paper presents the results of the analysis of state policy realization regarding sustainable development of industry in Mongolia. The study gives the reason for recovery of macroeconomics stability (in the short term) and transfer to a more stable and diversified economy model (in the longer term) as well as on the basis of the Russian experience necessity of using modern forms of regional industry organization. Consequently, it is explained the essentiality of structural changes, development of financial intermediation, investment in infrastructure and regional integration with the purpose of increase the level of regions interconnection and access to foreign markets. The purpose of the research is to define priority activities of the economic growth as well as measures focused on improvement of state management concerning sustainable industry development in Mongolia. To this effect there are used monographic and economic statistic research methods. It is concluded that relating to definite countries and regions taking into account the peculiarities it is advisable to explore the system of indexes, capable of measuring the results (and estimating efficiency) of sustainable development of economics industries. Thus, economic growth in Mongolia is possible only as a subject to partnership relations with the countries that have innovation technologies, know-how and attracting finance from foreign investors. Thereupon sustainable development of Mongolian industry, including mining industry depends on such factor as a possibility of application of the high technology in traditional economic activity, digital transformation of the industry, increase of human capital, environmental conditions. There are defined the conditions of realization of sustainable development strategy of Mongolian industry, for example forming territorial innovation industrial clusters and assuring effective cooperation between government, business and society at the regional level. There are proposed the measures regarding improvement of institutional environment of Mongolian industry. There are specified the tasks necessary to be solved for the purpose of setting the regions of industrial development and complex industrial planning.

Turkey’s energy trade relations with Europe: The role of institutions and energy market

Globally, the level of electricity grid interconnectedness between neighboring countries varies depending on the level of regional cooperation enabled by institutions. As suggested by previous research, in transboundary river basins, this variation affects the environment and the management of transboundary waters. In regions where all electricity utilities are connected and function at a synchronized frequency, and where integrated electricity market mechanisms function, the stress on the shared water resources tends to be less. Turkey shares river basins and power transmission lines in Europe both with the members of the European Union (EU) and with non-member states. The aim of this paper is to contribute to the literature on the geopolitics of renewable energy by comparing the level of Turkey’s electricity trade integrity with its EU-member European neighbors and with its non-EU-member neighbors and discuss the potential impacts of the transboundary electricity trade on the environment and the shared water resources. The main argument in this paper is that the higher level of electricity trade between Turkey and its EU-member neighbors is facilitated and boosted by Turkey’s membership to the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E). The higher level of electricity interconnection leads to a higher level of cooperation in water and environment issues in the shared river basins between Turkey and Europe through the facilitating role of established institutions.